The first day of Made in Pakistan Fashion Showcase 2017 by Fashion Pakistan, the leading platform for Pakistani fashion designers, in partnership with TDAP, as the title partner was held on November 10. More than 700 foreign delegates from all five continents attended Expo Pakistan 2017 exhibition .

The 'Made in Pakistan' Fashion Showcase was held with the intention of creating export worthy collections, by eminent designers for the export markets. The aim was to encourage production of value added products from Pakistan and to create a synergy with the Industry. Besides providing the new budding designers a solid platform, experience and mentoring in their field. The aim was to encourage production of value added products as it is the way forward making our fashion industry competitive in international markets by building on relationships with buyers, both overseas and domestic, and establishing and strengthening ties with international businesses.

Made in Pakistan was the first event of its kind and provided premium exposure to the upcoming fashion designers in the industry. The event besides  showcasing the  collections of seasoned designers Amir Adnan, Aamna Aqeel, Fnk Asia, Nova Leather, Hassan Riaz, Tena Durrani, Deepak Perwani, M Jafferjees XWardha Saleem, Zuria Dor, Adnan Pardesy, Nauman Arfeen, The Pink Tree Company, Maheen Khan (Gulabo), also has a dedicated millennial fashion segment where select  fashion students from PIFD, AIFD, and TIP named Farah Usman, Sundus Talpur, Salman, Zainab, Shahmeer Ansari, Farah, Sobia Halar, Nainawill showcased their work.

The second day of the event saw export worthy collections by Aamna Aqeel who showed the simple yet elegant white cotton based line which was creatively enhanced by ethnic Sindhi embroidery, the winning combination of Jafferjees and Wardha Saleem once again showed a chic collection keeping in mind the winter season. The collection was very well received by foreign buyers. Adnan Pardesy worked his magic on denim keeping latest international trends in mind.

The highlight of the day 2 was innovative collection by ZuriaDor  as she showcased  young and hip silhouettes in solids shades  which are very much in trends. Nauman Arfeen preferred working on  plane white palate and presented and mix of mens and women’s wear. The finale of the show saw vibrant ,interesting and hip collection of Gulabo, the label which always stay true to their philosophy of creating wearable and fuss free attires.

Commenting on the event and partnership with TDAP, CEO Fashion Pakistan said, "As Pakistan is a textile based economy and largely dependent on exports, this year the numbers have shown that due to competitive markets the export have dropped by 2 billion dollars. Most of the manufacturing has moved to countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Some due to internal challenges and constraints but also largely due to lack of value-addition. We at FP want to develop our designers and provide them a stage so they have the right market insight and the tools to get in to this Value Added segment in-line with International trends and consumer demands and this collaboration with TDAP also aims to just do that.”

Saeed Tamimi representing TDAP opined on this latest partnership by saying, “TDAP has always been instrumental in facilitating and promoting Pakistan's fashion industry since last many years. Our main aim is to emphasizing on meeting the requirements of local and international marketing through promotion & facilitation, understanding the export culture, quality control, trends & forecasts etc. So that opportunities could be created to place small units to join medium group and medium group to be promoted into becoming a larger exporting unit.  

"We are also working to develop  entrepreneurship in our value added sector through trade and enhancing commercial activities among the designers, particularly in industry, TDAP supports and facilitate participation of our fashion designers in the mainstream local and international  fairs, fashion weeks and other related activities etc. Similarly, each year, on the occasion of TDAP's mega event Expo Pakistan, it encourages and support the designer's industry to showcase their masterpieces before hundreds of foreign buyers and international media.”

Nubain Ali served as the show director/choreographer for the event. Backstage and event management of Made in Pakistan was done by Production 021, Hair and Make-up by Nabila’s N-PRO & N-GENTS and Tehmina Khalid’s Take-II served as the PR partner. Mindmap handled the digital and social media for the event.

About Fashion Pakistan

Fashion Pakistan is one of Pakistan’s leading platforms for promoting and developing the fledgling fashion industry in Pakistan. Established in 2007, Fashion Pakistan’s objective is to foster and promote the Pakistani fashion industry both locally and internationally, encourage excellence in design, and build alliances with associations both within and outside Pakistan.

About TDAP

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), which was established on November 8, 2006, under a Presidential Ordinance, shall have Ministry of Commerce as its administrative ministry. TDAP is the successor organization to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and is mandated to have a holistic view of global trade development rather than only the ‘export promotion’ perspective of its predecessor. Designated as the premier trade organization of the country, TDAP shall be a dedicated, effective, and an empowered organization, which shall be professionally managed.